Discover the best desert campgrounds near Marathon, Texas

United States
—
Texas
—
Marathon

92% (1127 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Marathon

Star Hosts in Marathon

Under $50

93%

(1248)

El Cosmico

40 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Marfa, TX

El Cosmico takes its inspiration from a long American history of hippies, nomads, bohemians and those living a life of self-determination. We believe in tuning in, dropping out and being here now. Vehicles are not allowed onto the grounds, so if you are staying in your car or RV you will post up in our large parking lot with easy access to the grounds. Tent camping is dispersed, so you pick your space within the designated camping areas that are indicated on the property map provided at the front desk. Front desk hours are from 7:30am-11:00pm daily. If you are arriving after 11pm please call ahead for late check-in instructions.

95%

(268)

Jackass Flats Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Terlingua Ranch / Alpine, TX

Located 25 miles north of Terlingua, TX on State Highway 118, close to the historic Comanche Trail, under the brilliant west Texas stars and below famous Nine Point Mesa. Within 25 miles of Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Terlingua Ghost Town, Rio Grande Outfitters and river access. The area is not only famous for its rich ranching history but also for its diverse geology and awesome night skies. Enjoy the Terrymar Pavilion for group gatherings, picnicking or taking in the panoramic views, phenomenal night skies, sunrises and sunsets. View our resident Texas Longhorn steers and horses in the restored nineteenth century stock pens. Please DO NOT GET CLOSE TO THE FENCE, THESE CATTLE ARE STOCK, not PETS. Be sure to FILL YOUR WATER tank before arriving. NON POTABLE water can be accessed. There is no city water services available in our area. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi at The Little Burro Country Store which is also on premises. Password is "jackassflats" all lowercase, 1 word, no special characters. We offer wood/snacks/groceries/ice and food items for sale on the property to meet your needs.

BBC Terlingua Overland Camping

3 sites · Tents100 acres · Study Butte, TX

Welcome to Big Bend Camp (https://www.bigbend.camp). The Big Bend region of Texas is a vast and rugged expanse in West Texas, USA, known for its stunning landscapes, remote wilderness, and exceptional opportunities for outdoor activities. Overland camping in Big Bend allows adventurous individuals to immerse themselves in natural beauty while exploring its diverse terrain. Big Bend Camp Overland is a 100-acre property with three campsites that provide ample space for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy nature. Overland adventurists often engage in off-road vehicle travel and outdoor camping and would likely appreciate the opportunity to experience the Big Bend Camp property. Overland camping involves traveling off-road and setting up camp in more remote and secluded areas, often using a specialized vehicle equipped with camping gear and supplies. This camping style is trendy due to the Big Bend's expansive backcountry and the ability to access remote areas inaccessible to regular vehicles. To access Big Bend Camp, you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle, preferably with off-road capabilities. This type of vehicle is necessary to navigate the 13 miles of rough and unpaved roads to access the camping sites along the way. Big Bend Camp has three designated backcountry campsites accessible only by a high-clearance vehicle. These campsites are basic, with no facilities or amenities, allowing visitors to experience an authentic wilderness camping experience. When overland camping at Big Bend Camp, you can witness breathtaking sunsets, starry night skies, and a remarkable variety of landscapes. From the iconic overlook of Chalk Draw bordering Big Bend National Park to the vastness of Nine Point Mesa and panoramic vistas, the Chihuahuan Desert offers vast stretches of rugged terrain and a diverse range of camping environments for any overland adventurist. Overland camping at Big Bend Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature, explore remote areas, and experience the untamed beauty of one of America's most stunning landscapes.

Saddletramp Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Alpine, TX

Consistently drawn to the Big Bend area, after horseback riding and traveling all over Texas I decided to make it my home and have never looked back. The property is on and surrounded by other large ranches between Alpine and Terlingua, allowing space and privacy. Learn more about this land: Open range is a thing of the past, yet the ranches here intertwine, and the view goes on forever. Undulating hills of desert shrubs, cactus and rock – like an ocean with its waves. Just over 30 miles from Alpine and within an hour from the Big Bend National Park entrance. At a higher elevation than Terlingua, temps are at least 10 degrees cooler here. Easy access to Alpine, Marathon, Marfa, Fort Davis and Terlingua. Great location for Viva Big Bend or a stop-over on the way down south. We have two campsites available. Site 1 can accommodate trailers and Site 2 with primitive tent camping (or car camping) - no trailers. High clearance preferred with both sites, required for Site 2. Campsites are far enough apart to allow privacy. High desert camping, dark skies, views of Calamity Creek, Elephant Mountain, Santiago Mountains, Santiago Peak, Kokernot Mesa. 300 acres. No wifi currently or amenities other than pure peace, quiet and beautiful sunsets. Immerse yourself in the beauty and peacefulness of our high desert. 360 views! Campfire ability dependent on weather/wind. Improvements ongoing. Pack it in, pack it out. This is a wildlife exemption, please respect the desert. Rattlesnakes are more prevalent in the warmer months. Leave no trace! Please dispose of all human waste. No hunting or gathering of any kind allowed. Hiking roads is permitted, as well as on host property. Gates and sites are difficult to find after dark - please notify host if arriving after sunset. Specific/detailed directions will be sent upon booking. Owner lives nearby, out of sight. Yes - you may hear a donkey!

94%

(39)

Mountain View Lodge

3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Fort Davis, TX

Formerly Mountain Trails Lodge, our property features stunning sunrises and sunsets, wildlife watching, and amazing dark skies viewing. Our on-site Cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily from 8am to 2pm and currently is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 8am to 8 pm, serving dinner those evenings. We offer tent campsites and one RV site with electricity and water available, along with access to a restroom with shower and amenities, our pavilion with a gas grill and grilling tools, a fridge, ice, and picnic tables. We also have cabins for rent, visible on our website mountainviewlodgetx.com. We have seven acres convenient to many attractions, including McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Davis Mountains State Park, the Chihuahuan Desert Research Center, a 75-mile scenic loop, and more. Marfa, TX, a widely recognized community of world-renowned artists, is just a 20-minute drive away. Alpine, TX is also only 20 minutes away with more amenities and medical care facilities. We are located in a Dark Skies Reserve with spectacular night viewing of stars and the Milky Way, even without a telescope!

12 top desert campgrounds near Marathon

93%

(1248)

El Cosmico

40 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Marfa, TX

El Cosmico takes its inspiration from a long American history of hippies, nomads, bohemians and those living a life of self-determination. We believe in tuning in, dropping out and being here now. Vehicles are not allowed onto the grounds, so if you are staying in your car or RV you will post up in our large parking lot with easy access to the grounds. Tent camping is dispersed, so you pick your space within the designated camping areas that are indicated on the property map provided at the front desk. Front desk hours are from 7:30am-11:00pm daily. If you are arriving after 11pm please call ahead for late check-in instructions.

BBC Terlingua Overland Camping

3 sites · Tents100 acres · Study Butte, TX

Welcome to Big Bend Camp (https://www.bigbend.camp). The Big Bend region of Texas is a vast and rugged expanse in West Texas, USA, known for its stunning landscapes, remote wilderness, and exceptional opportunities for outdoor activities. Overland camping in Big Bend allows adventurous individuals to immerse themselves in natural beauty while exploring its diverse terrain. Big Bend Camp Overland is a 100-acre property with three campsites that provide ample space for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy nature. Overland adventurists often engage in off-road vehicle travel and outdoor camping and would likely appreciate the opportunity to experience the Big Bend Camp property. Overland camping involves traveling off-road and setting up camp in more remote and secluded areas, often using a specialized vehicle equipped with camping gear and supplies. This camping style is trendy due to the Big Bend's expansive backcountry and the ability to access remote areas inaccessible to regular vehicles. To access Big Bend Camp, you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle, preferably with off-road capabilities. This type of vehicle is necessary to navigate the 13 miles of rough and unpaved roads to access the camping sites along the way. Big Bend Camp has three designated backcountry campsites accessible only by a high-clearance vehicle. These campsites are basic, with no facilities or amenities, allowing visitors to experience an authentic wilderness camping experience. When overland camping at Big Bend Camp, you can witness breathtaking sunsets, starry night skies, and a remarkable variety of landscapes. From the iconic overlook of Chalk Draw bordering Big Bend National Park to the vastness of Nine Point Mesa and panoramic vistas, the Chihuahuan Desert offers vast stretches of rugged terrain and a diverse range of camping environments for any overland adventurist. Overland camping at Big Bend Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature, explore remote areas, and experience the untamed beauty of one of America's most stunning landscapes.

100%

(3)

Crows Peak Tents

3 sites · Lodging50 acres · Alpine, TX

Welcome to the heart of West Texas, where adventure meets comfort in our unique tent rentals in Terlingua! Nestled in the rugged splendor of the Chihuahuan Desert, our tents combine the beauty of the great outdoors with the luxury of a comfortable retreat. Each tent is equipped with a queen-size memory foam mattress, LED lights and a solar powered battery that can charge cell phones and other small devices. A propane camp stove is also provided (with one 16 oz can of propane), as well as several small storage compartments. The tents are 11' tall and 8' wide, with a private deck, providing ample space to stretch out and relax. Thoughtfully positioned to provide panoramic views of the vast desert landscape, the exterior is designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. This allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the desert while enjoying an elevated camping experience. Step outside onto the deck, where you can savor a cup of coffee as the sun rises and paints the sky in hues of orange and pink. Or, unwind at the end of the day with a glass of wine while you gaze at the stars under one of the darkest skies in the country. Located 35 minutes from the entrance to Big Bend National Park and the Terlingua ghost town, this is a great base to explore everything the area has to offer. The Terlingua Ranch Lodge is an easy 15 minute drive and features the Bad Rabbit restaurant, a pool and a bath house with hot showers. Showers are $2/each and a day pass for the pool is $8. Ice and other small provisions are available at the Ranch office. Access to the property requires driving 1 mile on a dirt road, but does not require 4-wheel drive or high clearance vehicles.

Mountain View Lodge

3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Fort Davis, TX

Formerly Mountain Trails Lodge, our property features stunning sunrises and sunsets, wildlife watching, and amazing dark skies viewing. Our on-site Cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily from 8am to 2pm and currently is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 8am to 8 pm, serving dinner those evenings. We offer tent campsites and one RV site with electricity and water available, along with access to a restroom with shower and amenities, our pavilion with a gas grill and grilling tools, a fridge, ice, and picnic tables. We also have cabins for rent, visible on our website mountainviewlodgetx.com. We have seven acres convenient to many attractions, including McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Davis Mountains State Park, the Chihuahuan Desert Research Center, a 75-mile scenic loop, and more. Marfa, TX, a widely recognized community of world-renowned artists, is just a 20-minute drive away. Alpine, TX is also only 20 minutes away with more amenities and medical care facilities. We are located in a Dark Skies Reserve with spectacular night viewing of stars and the Milky Way, even without a telescope!

Booked 1 time

Eco-Dome: Sunsets. Stars. Serenity.

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Study Butte, TX

Some see the desert as a barren wasteland... a harsh place where life struggles to exist. But when one spends time in this place, they realize this is furthest from the truth. You see, the desert is not as egoic as the rest of the world. Its beauty is remarkable, yet requires a slowing down to see. It is a place full of contrast...It hosts the brightest of days & darkest of nights...This place seeks to reflect us, to teach us, to nourish us. Come. Its Time You Reconnect. Your Space Includes: -(One) Queen Size, Organic Birch Mattress -(Two) Eco-Rest Pillows -Organic Coyuchi Sheets & Natural Wool Comforter -Large Terracotta Lamp -Electricity For Powering BASIC devices -Cell Service -A Clean, dedicated Porta-Potty -(NO SHOWER/SINK ON SITE) -(NO HEAT/AIR CONDITIONING) **PLEASE NOTE** There is enough *floor space* for an additional (2) guests inside the dome (but you will have to provide your own sleeping bags/pillows, etc.). You may also choose to set up a tent outside. ------------------------------------------------------------ The space is one that arises from a holistic belief system... that each piece is of equal importance, & part of a larger “whole”. This is reflected throughout the property, with conscious design & a commitment to sustainability. The dome was constructed entirely with the dirt beneath your feet... It's walls brightened with non-toxic, natural-paints... a wooden bed frame... & a luxurious organic mattress with warm, soft, linens. Here... We are committed to the highest quality, natural materials... because your body matters... Our Planet matters. This is not "green-washing"... this is genuine love for this earth & the want to share it.

Cholla Ranch Camp, Glamping Tents

3 sites · Lodging15 acres · Alpine, TX

Learn more about this land: Cholla Ranch Camp, situated in the Chihuahuan Desert of Far West Texas is both remote and convenient as it lies just a few miles from the small town of Alpine. This desert setting has been consistently used as a working ranch for decades. The camp is a 10 acre section we have dedicated to hosting guests out of the 1100 acre ranch. Two unique Glamping Tents and 1 Cabin are offered on the ranch to rent. Each unit offers indoor plumbing, comfy beds, refrigerator, microwave, heat and ac seasonally, a private deck, outdoor cooking space and much much more. From your deck is a direct view of the Twin Peaks during the day and spectacular stargazing at night. Pasture Horses and Cattle Roam the Property while Chickens stay safe in their oversized run. One part ranch, one part camp- all Far West Texas Desert. We supply a range of fantastic organic toiletries that help support our grey water system. Fresh Locally Ground Coffee and yes even snacks. Here at CRC we try to ensure your needs are well taking care of. We look forward to your stay as a place to relax while being submerged in the history of the land.

Saddletramp Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Alpine, TX

Consistently drawn to the Big Bend area, after horseback riding and traveling all over Texas I decided to make it my home and have never looked back. The property is on and surrounded by other large ranches between Alpine and Terlingua, allowing space and privacy. Learn more about this land: Open range is a thing of the past, yet the ranches here intertwine, and the view goes on forever. Undulating hills of desert shrubs, cactus and rock – like an ocean with its waves. Just over 30 miles from Alpine and within an hour from the Big Bend National Park entrance. At a higher elevation than Terlingua, temps are at least 10 degrees cooler here. Easy access to Alpine, Marathon, Marfa, Fort Davis and Terlingua. Great location for Viva Big Bend or a stop-over on the way down south. We have two campsites available. Site 1 can accommodate trailers and Site 2 with primitive tent camping (or car camping) - no trailers. High clearance preferred with both sites, required for Site 2. Campsites are far enough apart to allow privacy. High desert camping, dark skies, views of Calamity Creek, Elephant Mountain, Santiago Mountains, Santiago Peak, Kokernot Mesa. 300 acres. No wifi currently or amenities other than pure peace, quiet and beautiful sunsets. Immerse yourself in the beauty and peacefulness of our high desert. 360 views! Campfire ability dependent on weather/wind. Improvements ongoing. Pack it in, pack it out. This is a wildlife exemption, please respect the desert. Rattlesnakes are more prevalent in the warmer months. Leave no trace! Please dispose of all human waste. No hunting or gathering of any kind allowed. Hiking roads is permitted, as well as on host property. Gates and sites are difficult to find after dark - please notify host if arriving after sunset. Specific/detailed directions will be sent upon booking. Owner lives nearby, out of sight. Yes - you may hear a donkey!

Jackass Flats Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Terlingua Ranch / Alpine, TX

Located 25 miles north of Terlingua, TX on State Highway 118, close to the historic Comanche Trail, under the brilliant west Texas stars and below famous Nine Point Mesa. Within 25 miles of Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Terlingua Ghost Town, Rio Grande Outfitters and river access. The area is not only famous for its rich ranching history but also for its diverse geology and awesome night skies. Enjoy the Terrymar Pavilion for group gatherings, picnicking or taking in the panoramic views, phenomenal night skies, sunrises and sunsets. View our resident Texas Longhorn steers and horses in the restored nineteenth century stock pens. Please DO NOT GET CLOSE TO THE FENCE, THESE CATTLE ARE STOCK, not PETS. Be sure to FILL YOUR WATER tank before arriving. NON POTABLE water can be accessed. There is no city water services available in our area. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi at The Little Burro Country Store which is also on premises. Password is "jackassflats" all lowercase, 1 word, no special characters. We offer wood/snacks/groceries/ice and food items for sale on the property to meet your needs.

Casa de Keaveny

1 site · Lodging30 acres · Alpine, TX

Beautiful land in the Chihuahua desert north of the Christmas mountains and south of the famous 9 point Mesa. Just north of Mexico and 30 min from Big Bend National park and The Terlingua ghostown . West Texas. Off grid small house running on solar power and rain water catchment. Very cozy. Plenty of land for camping also. Mr. Keaveny built the house himself over a 10 year period.

Starry Night Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Study Butte, TX

Come out to enjoy solitude at the Starry Night Retreat! Pitch your tent in your very own desert escape with 360 degree Mountain View’s and soak up some of the best views of the stars in all of the United States! You will have this entire 5 acre lot all to yourself which allows for extremely peaceful solitude! You will be only 25min~ from both Big Bend national Park and Terlingua Ghost town!

97%

(43)

9 Points Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Study Butte, TX

Our family has owned property, on Terlingua Ranch, since the 1970's. Since that time, we've added additional property and our love for this area and our passion for sharing it with others, has grown more and more. We've continued to value and preserve the area's natural, primitive beauty.

85%

(39)

Agua Fria Adventure

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Study Butte, TX

Created by legendary automotive engineer, Carroll Shelby, Terlingua Ranch is nearly 200,000 acres nestled between 1.1 millions acres of wilderness in Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. Star Haven's expansive vistas afford views of the state park 9 miles southwest, the national park 20 miles southeast and Nine Point Mesa 6 miles due east. The broad horizons mean unobstructed views for star-gazing and the remote location means the least light pollution you'll find anywhere. After 45 years of leading groups hiking, climbing, rafting, and canoeing the Big Bend, we are glad to share our basecamp with you.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

94%

(17)

Davis Mountains State Park

Fort Davis, Texas

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Desert camping near Marathon guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate camping resource for outdoor enthusiasts! If you're looking for a desert adventure near Marathon, Texas, you're in luck. We have over 800 options specifically tailored to your activity and terrain preference. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, our top campsites, such as Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch (657 reviews), El Cosmico (537 reviews), and Paisano Azul Ranch (428 reviews), offer exceptional experiences. With popular amenities like pet-friendly accommodations, campfires, and potable water, and activities ranging from whitewater paddling to snow sports, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping trip. Plus, with prices as low as $5 per night and an average price of $30 per night, you can enjoy nature at an affordable cost. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the stunning desert landscapes of Marathon, Texas!